JP2012100353A - Unified media file architecture - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a computerized system.SOLUTION: A computerized system comprises: at least one subsystem that identifies one or more sources of media content; at least one subsystem that unifies media content to create a superset of available content from the one or more sources of media content; at least one subsystem that allows a device to synchronize with the available content from the one or more sources of media content; and at least one subsystem that presents a graphical user interface through which a user may browse a unified view of the available content and access the available content from any of the one or more sources of media content.

Description

(Related application)
This application is filed under United States Patent Act 119 (e), US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 127,796 filed on May 14, 2008, and United States Patent Application filed on May 14, 2008. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 127,813, US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 052,640 filed on May 12, 2008, and US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 052,640 filed on May 12, 2008 It claims the benefit of priority over 61 / 052,633. The entirety of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

(background)
Access to information is an important factor in the functioning of modern society. Improvements to the flow of information enhance an individual's ability to interact with other people, respond to changing needs, and take advantage of processing various media-based information.

(Overview)
Examples of various embodiments are further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

For example, the present invention provides the following items.
(Item 1)
A computerized system,
At least one subsystem identifying one or more sources of media content;
At least one subsystem that integrates media content to create a superset of content available from the one or more sources of media content;
At least one subsystem that enables a device to synchronize with the available content from the one or more sources of media content;
Presenting a graphical user interface that allows a user to browse an integrated view of the available content and access the available content from any of the one or more sources of media content A computerized system comprising at least one subsystem.
(Item 2)
The computerized item of any one of the preceding items, further comprising at least one subsystem that provides a discovery mechanism for one or more connectors capable of communicating with the one or more sources of media content. System.
(Item 3)
The computerized system of any one of the preceding items, further comprising at least one subsystem that identifies when the device is connected to the computerized system.
(Item 4)
The computerized system of any one of the preceding items, further comprising at least one subsystem that filters the available content for the device.
(Item 5)
A device,
A processor;
A machine-accessible medium for storing instructions, and
When the instructions are executed by the processor,
Identifying media content available from more than one source;
Creating integrated information about the media content;
Monitoring the two or more sources for changes to the media content;
Updating the integrated information upon detection of the change,
apparatus.
(Item 6)
The apparatus of any one of the preceding items, further comprising instructions for determining a particular type of the two or more sources from which media content may be identified.
(Item 7)
A portable wireless device,
A processor;
A machine-accessible medium for storing instructions, and
When the instructions are executed, the processor
Displaying on content available from more than one source of media content;
Requesting changes to media content that already exists on the portable wireless device;
Updating the content already present on the portable wireless device with a subset of the available content from the two or more sources of media content;
Portable wireless device.
(Item 8)
A computerized method,
Discover one or more sources of media content;
Creating a desired library comprising a subset of content available from the one or more sources of media content;
Transmitting the desired library to a portable wireless device.
(Item 9)
The computerized method of any one of the preceding items, wherein transmitting the desired library comprises adding media content to the portable wireless device.
(Item 10)
The computerized method of any one of the preceding items, wherein transmitting the desired library comprises removing media content from the portable wireless device.
(Item 11)
The computerized method of any one of the preceding items, further comprising determining how the desired library differs from the content already present on the portable wireless device. .
(Item 12)
The computerized of any of the preceding items, further comprising identifying an action to modify the content already present on the device to match the desired library Method.
(Item 13)
A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing a method of managing media content, the method comprising:
Identifying one or more sources of media content;
Integrating content available from the one or more sources of media content;
Presenting a graphical user interface through which a user can access the available content;
Enabling a device to synchronize with the available content from the one or more sources of media content;
Computer readable medium.
(Item 14)
The computer-readable medium of any one of the preceding items, further comprising discovering for one or more connectors capable of communicating with the one or more sources of media content.
(Item 15)
The computer-readable medium of any one of the preceding items, further comprising identifying when the device is connected to a computerized system.

The present invention also provides the following items.
(Item 1a)
A computerized system,
At least one subsystem identifying one or more sources of media content;
At least one subsystem that integrates media content to create a superset of content available from the one or more sources of media content;
At least one subsystem that enables a device to synchronize with the available content from the one or more sources of media content;
Presenting a graphical user interface that allows a user to browse an integrated view of the available content and access the available content from any of the one or more sources of media content A computerized system comprising at least one subsystem.
(Item 2a)
The computerized item of any one of the preceding items, further comprising at least one subsystem that provides a discovery mechanism for one or more connectors capable of communicating with the one or more sources of media content. System.
(Item 3a)
The computerized system of any one of the preceding items, further comprising at least one subsystem that identifies when the device is connected to the computerized system.
(Item 4a)
The computerized system of any one of the preceding items, wherein the one or more sources of media content comprise a library.
(Item 5a)
The computerized system of any one of the preceding items, wherein the one or more sources of media content comprise folders and files.
(Item 6a)
The computerized system of any one of the preceding items, further comprising at least one subsystem that filters the available content for the device.
(Item 7a)
The computerized system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the device is a portable wireless device.
(Item 8a)
A device,
A processor;
A machine-accessible medium for storing instructions, and
When the instructions are executed by the processor,
Identifying media content available from more than one source;
Creating integrated information about the media content;
Monitoring the two or more sources for changes to the media content;
Updating the integrated information upon detection of the change,
apparatus.
(Item 9a)
The apparatus of any one of the preceding items, wherein the integrated information about the media content is maintained in one or more data structures.
(Item 10a)
The apparatus of any one of the preceding items, further comprising instructions for determining a particular type of the two or more sources from which media content may be identified.
(Item 11a)
The apparatus according to any one of the above items, wherein the apparatus is a personal computer.
(Item 12a)
A portable wireless device,
A processor;
A machine-accessible medium for storing instructions, and
When the instructions are executed, the processor
Displaying on content available from more than one source of media content;
Requesting changes to media content that already exists on the portable wireless device;
Updating the content already present on the portable wireless device with a subset of the available content from the two or more sources of media content;
Portable wireless device.
(Item 13a)
A computerized method,
Discover one or more sources of media content;
Creating a desired library comprising a subset of content available from the one or more sources of media content;
Transmitting the desired library to a portable wireless device.
(Item 14a)
The computerized method of any one of the preceding items, wherein transmitting the desired library comprises adding media content to the portable wireless device.
(Item 15a)
The computerized method of any one of the preceding items, wherein transmitting the desired library comprises removing media content from the portable wireless device.
(Item 16a)
The computerized method of any one of the preceding items, further comprising determining how the desired library differs from the content already present on the portable wireless device. .
(Item 17a)
The computerized of any of the preceding items, further comprising identifying an action to modify the content already present on the device to match the desired library Method.
(Item 18a)
The computerized method of any one of the above items, wherein the desired library is created by a user.
(Item 19a)
The computerized method of any one of the above items, wherein the desired library is automatically created.
(Item 20a)
The computerized method of any one of the preceding items, wherein updating the portable wireless device is performed via a wired connection.
(Item 21a)
A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing a method of managing media content, the method comprising:
Identifying one or more sources of media content;
Integrating content available from the one or more sources of media content;
Presenting a graphical user interface through which a user can access the available content;
Enabling a device to synchronize with the available content from the one or more sources of media content;
Computer readable medium.
(Item 22a)
The computer-readable medium of any one of the preceding items, further comprising discovering for one or more connectors capable of communicating with the one or more sources of media content.
(Item 23a)
The computer-readable medium of any one of the preceding items, further comprising identifying when the device is connected to a computerized system.
(Item 24a)
The computer-readable medium of any one of the preceding items, wherein the one or more sources of media content comprises a library.
(Item 25a)
The computer-readable medium of any one of the preceding items, wherein the one or more sources of media content comprise folders and files.
(Item 26a)
The computer readable medium of any one of the preceding items, wherein the one or more sources of media content are individually accessible by the user.
(Item 27a)
The computerized system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the device is a portable wireless device.

(Summary)
An apparatus and method for an integrated media file architecture provides a mechanism to improve user interaction with multimedia devices. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a system for managing media content. FIG. 2 is a more detailed block diagram of the processing module shown in FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for managing media content according to an example embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for managing media content according to an alternative embodiment. FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a media wireless synchronization function installed on a PC with the introduction of an associated wireless server, according to various embodiments. FIG. 6 illustrates an example embodiment of a user interface showing connectivity, according to various embodiments. FIG. 7 illustrates an example embodiment of a user interface when accessing a home music library, according to various embodiments. FIG. 8 illustrates an example embodiment of browsing a media library according to various embodiments. FIG. 9 illustrates an example embodiment of a user interface relating to adding music to a download manager, according to various embodiments. FIG. 10 illustrates an example embodiment of a user interface for browsing a download manager, according to various embodiments. FIG. 11 depicts a diagram of an embodiment of a system having a controller and a memory system, according to various embodiments.

(Details of the invention)
Certain specific details are set forth in the following description and figures to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the details described below. Moreover, although various methods are described by reference to a series of operations in the following disclosure, the description as such is intended to provide a clear implementation of the disclosed embodiments. The particular order described should not be taken as essential.

  In general, it is contemplated that the various systems, methods, and computer-readable media disclosed herein may be implemented within a system to manage media content. Such a system may generally be described as a computer-implemented system or a computerized system that includes a “subsystem” for a media file architecture that is integrated in the manner described below.

(Operating environment)
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a system for managing media content. A system for managing media content 110 includes an input 112, a processing module 114, and an output 116.

  Input 112 comprises one or more sources of media content 120 (also referred to herein as “sources” or “multiple sources”). Media content may include content in any media format. Some examples of content may include, but are not limited to audio files, video files, image files, multimedia files, and the like. Audio file formats can include, but are not limited to, MP3, AIFF, WAV, MPEG-4, AAC, and Apple Lossless. Examples of other file formats for media content are doc, dot, wpd, txt, xls, pdf, ppt, jpg, jpeg, png, bmp, gif, html, html, zip, tif, tiff, wmf, etc. Files with the extension of.

In one embodiment, the one or more sources of media content 120 include, but are not limited to, iTunes® media player, Windows®.
It may be a library 120 (a) such as a library for media players including Media Player® (WMP), RealPlayer, etc. Each library 120 (a) may have N sets. A collection is a subset of files in a library. A set can consist of references to files. Each set can refer to anything from zero files to all files in the library. An example set for a music library may be a playlist. In another embodiment, the source of media content 120 may be a file in one or more folders 120 (b) on a single computer system or on multiple computer systems.

  The processing module 114 comprises software and / or hardware subsystems to transmit media content from the media source to the device by the media player. In some embodiments, various subsystems may be implemented by software executable by a processor. In other embodiments, various subsystems may be implemented by computer hardware. In still further embodiments, various subsystems may be implemented by a combination of computer hardware and software.

  The processing module operates as a “connector”. This means that the processing module interfaces between the media source and different types of devices with media players, including but not limited to portable wireless devices. A processing module may use a Windows COM interface when connecting to a media source, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the processing module creates a representation of media content (eg, a library or libraries) that is available from multiple sources.

  In some embodiments, the processing module output 116 is a representation produced by the processing module. In some embodiments, the representation can also be maintained by the processing module. In other embodiments, the output also comprises device specific data for a portable wireless device or media player. In yet other embodiments, the output also comprises metadata, such as metadata based on user preferences or device settings.

  In one example embodiment, a representation is any method for identifying the content of a media source file. In some embodiments, the representation is a library file created by the processing module. The library file contains metadata for media content available at one or more media sources, but omits the actual media content. Library files may be organized using a standard format that represents the information contained in the media source. In some embodiments, the standard format is a compression format and / or a format that is substantially smaller than the media library itself. For example, a media library having a 30 GB audio file may be represented by the media synchronization engine 104 in a file that may be 200 KB.

  In operation, the system for managing media content shown in FIG. 1 creates a representation of the media content available in one or more media sources, and has any media player (such as a portable wireless device). A method for accessing media content from a device is provided. The device may browse the representation locally or remotely and may select individual media content items to copy or transmit from the media source to the device. After selection, all or a portion of the media content item can be transmitted to the device and played on the media player on the device.

  FIG. 2 is a more detailed block diagram of the processing module 114 shown in FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the processing module 114 for a system for managing media content 110 includes a connector subsystem 202, a finder subsystem 204, a cache manager subsystem 206, and a synchronization subsystem. 208, a user interface subsystem 210, and a device detection / connection subsystem 212.

  Connector subsystem 202 identifies a particular source of media content, such as a library or folder / file. In one embodiment, the connector subsystem 202 performs a discovery function that finds a particular source. Connector subsystem 202 may comprise one or more individual connectors. A connector is software and / or hardware that can communicate with one or more sources of media content using applicable application programming interfaces (APIs), protocols, file formats, and the like. In one embodiment, each one of the connectors can communicate with a particular type of media content. For example, one of the connectors can be a connector for use with an iTunes® library. In this example, when an instance of the iTunes® library is found, the connector retrieves the set from that instance of the iTunes® library and provides information about the set to the cache manager subsystem 206. In another embodiment, a portion of the connector may each be capable of communicating with more than one type of media content. In a further embodiment, a single connector can communicate with any type of media content.

  In one embodiment, the connector can be a read-only connector, an index connector, or a writable connector. A read-only connector can read a source, such as a library, but cannot modify the source. Although the index connector cannot also modify the source, the index connector can read the source more efficiently than the read-only connector. In this embodiment, the index connector may implement an API or optimized query format for the source. A writable connector may also modify a source such as a library. A connector that modifies a library may perform any action that modifies the library, including writing data to the library or deleting data from the library. For example, the connector can be used to add a rating for a user-assigned song to an iTunes (R) music library. Other examples of actions that change the library include, but are not limited to, creating playlists, editing playlists, deleting songs, and the like.

  Accordingly, the connector subsystem 202 identifies a particular source of media content and retrieves information about the media content. Connector subsystem 202 may provide information about media content to cache manager subsystem 206.

  The finder subsystem 204 provides a discovery mechanism for the connector. In one embodiment, the finder subsystem 204 identifies what connectors are available to the system for managing the media content 110. In another embodiment, available connectors register with the finder subsystem 204. If a separate connector is used for each source of media content, the particular connector discovered or registered by the finder subsystem 204 will manage what type of media content manages the media content 110. Determine what can be found by the system to do.

  The cache manager subsystem 206 consolidates media content available to users across multiple sources. Cache manager subsystem 206 may receive information about media content from connector subsystem 202. In one embodiment, the cache manager subsystem 206 maintains one or more data structures for media content available for transmission to the device. A data structure within the cache manager subsystem 206 consolidates information about the media content that is stored in an independent source. For example, if the same music track exists in multiple libraries (e.g., in the user's iTunes (R) library and in the user's Windows (R) Media Player (R) library), the cache manager sub System 206 may maintain a single data structure that is a collection of tracks from different libraries. Alternatively, the cache manager subsystem 206 may maintain a separate data structure for tracks from each of the different libraries. Cache manager subsystem 206 may store one or more data structures using any form of data storage. Data storage can be volatile or non-volatile and can be implemented using any method or technique for storing information. Further, in some embodiments, the cache manager subsystem 206 may include one or more data structures for media available for transmission from the device to a computer (eg, desktop computer, enterprise server, laptop computer, etc.). Can be maintained. For example, a media file such as a picture or video can be transmitted from the device to a computer. In this case, the device is also considered as another source in the system for managing the media content 110.

In some embodiments, the cache manager subsystem 206 may implement a connector watcher. The connector watcher monitors one or more sources of media content and determines when the sources have changed. For example, iTunes (registered trademark)
If the xml file is modified or if the iTunes (R) library is updated, the connector watcher that monitors the particular source will detect the update and cache it with updated information about the media content. Update the appropriate data structure in the manager subsystem 206.

  In one embodiment, the cache manager subsystem 206 may also determine which one or more available connectors to use. For example, if the media content can be accessed using iTunes® software or via an iTunes® xml file, the cache manager subsystem 206 accesses the iTunes® media content. Therefore, it is determined whether to use an iTunes® application connector or an iTunes® xml file connector. In an alternative embodiment, the finder subsystem 204 may determine which one or more available connectors to use.

  Accordingly, the cache manager subsystem 206 gathers information about media content from multiple media sources (if not, each media source must be accessed directly), and the cache manager subsystem 206 is synchronized. Provides information to subsystem 208.

  The synchronization subsystem 208 allows the device to be synchronized with all or a subset of available content from different sources. In one embodiment, the synchronization subsystem 208 provides information about media content available for transmission to the device (also referred to as “available content”) and information about media content that already exists on the device. In addition, a UI subsystem 210 may be provided. The synchronization subsystem 208 may retrieve information about available content from one or more data structures maintained by the cache manager subsystem 206. Information maintained by the cache manager subsystem 206 represents content available from multiple sources that a user may select to transmit to the device. The synchronization subsystem 208 may also retrieve information about content that already exists on the device, either from the device itself or from a storage location other than the device. Further, in some embodiments, the synchronization subsystem 208 can also be used by a computer (eg, desktop computer, enterprise server, laptop computer, etc.) for all available media content from a device as a source of media content. Or allows you to be synchronized with a subset. For example, a media file such as a picture or video may be transmitted from the device to a computer.

  In some embodiments, the synchronization subsystem 208 may also maintain a desired library. The desired library identifies media content that is stored on the device after selection from either the user or the system for managing media content is applied. The desired library may include all of the media content in the user's various sources (available content), or the desired library may be a subset of the available content. In one embodiment, the desired library functions as a filter for content transmitted to the device. Rather than transmitting all of the available content from the user's various collections of media content, only the very content selected for the desired library is transmitted to the device. The desired library can be selected by the user via the UI subsystem 210, can be automatically selected by the system for managing media content, or can be selected via some combination of both. In an alternative embodiment, the desired library may be maintained by the cache manager subsystem 206 rather than by the synchronization subsystem 208. In some embodiments, the desired library content is restarted when an application program that implements a system for managing media content is not running or when a computer system that runs such an application program is restarted. Even lasts.

  In some embodiments, the synchronization subsystem 208 may also identify actions to create a desired library on the device (eg, copying a song or playlist, deleting a song or playlist, etc. ), In some embodiments, the synchronization subsystem 208 may manage the actual transmission of media content to create the desired library on the device.

  Thus, the synchronization subsystem 208 provides information about both available content and content that already exists on the device to the user interface subsystem 210 so that the user can view the information. The synchronization subsystem 208 may also determine actions to maintain the desired library and / or synchronize the device with the desired library.

  User interface (UI) subsystem 210 provides a graphical user interface that allows a user to access media content from multiple sources. The UI subsystem 210 receives gathered information from the synchronization subsystem 208 about media content available from different sources. The UI subsystem 210 also receives information from the synchronization subsystem 208 about media content already available on the device. The UI subsystem 210 presents this information to the user via a graphical user interface. In one embodiment, the graphical user interface is part of an application program, such as a media synchronization application program that runs on a computer system other than the device. In another embodiment, the graphical user interface is part of an application program that runs on the device itself.

  The UI subsystem 210 allows a user to browse available content and content currently stored on the device. The UI subsystem 210 may be browsed by individual media files (songs, photos, videos, etc.) or by groups of media files (eg, playlists, albums, folders, etc.), or by some combination of both. , Content can be displayed.

  The UI subsystem 210 also allows the user to create a desired library (ie, media content that the user wants to have on the device after the media content on the device has been updated). In one embodiment, the user selects media content using graphical user interface options, such as to add a track or playlist to the desired library, remove a track or playlist from the desired library, etc. Can do. In another embodiment, the user may select a graphical user interface option that instructs the system for managing media content 110 to automatically select media content to be transmitted to the device. In some embodiments, the system for managing media content 110 may also automatically select content to transmit to the device even if the user has not selected such an option. This can occur when a user creates a desired library that requires more space than is available or allocated for media content on the device. For example, a user may create a desired library with 20 gigabytes of music, but the device only has room for a library with 1 gigabyte of music. In this example, the system for managing media content 110 may automatically select 1 gigabyte of music from 20 gigabytes of music in the desired library for transmission to the device.

  The UI subsystem 210 may display the current state of the desired library as the user creates or modifies the desired library. In some embodiments, the UI subsystem 210 may also display an indication of what can happen if the current state of the desired library is transmitted to the device. If the desired library is too large for the space available on the device, the system for managing media content may further limit the transmitted content to a subset of the desired library. This can happen when a user creates a desired library that requires more space than is available on the device.

  In some embodiments, the UI subsystem 210 may also display information about the device. UI subsystem 210 may receive information about devices from device detection and connection subsystem 212. For example, the UI subsystem 210 may display a graphical representation of how much data storage space on the device is currently consumed and how much data the desired library uses on the device. In some embodiments, information about device capacity may be presented using categories. For example, categories can include, but are not limited to, “used”, “music”, and “unused”. In one embodiment, the category of data is how much space on the device is “unused”, how much space on the device is used for “music” or “playlist”, and the space on the device. Is presented on a memory bar that graphically shows how “used” it is for other data. In addition, the UI subsystem 210 may also display the amount of “reserved space” in the file system. For example, the UI subsystem 210 may present either only unused space available to the user or unused space, and the amount of spare space. However, embodiments are not limited to displaying information within a category or presenting a category graphically as a memory bar.

  Thus, UI subsystem 210 provides a graphical user interface in which a user is presented with a single integrated view of media content from multiple sources. A user may use media content to browse and manage media content. Further, in some embodiments, UI subsystem 210 may also graphically indicate when the device is connected to a system for managing media content 110. For example, when the device detection and connection subsystem 212 determines that a device is connected, the UI subsystem 210 may display an image of the device on a graphical user interface.

  Device detection and connection subsystem 212 identifies when a device is connected to or disconnected from a system for managing media content. The devices can be connected using a wired connection such as a wireless connection or a high speed USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection.

  When the device is connected to the system, the device detection and connection subsystem 212 also provides information (eg, device characteristics (eg, screen size, screen resolution, etc.), device capabilities (eg, file system and supported file formats). , Information about files already available on the device, device capacity or available storage space, etc.) may be obtained from the device. In one example embodiment, information from the device can affect which type of connector is selected by the connector subsystem 202. For example, if a device supports only one type of file format, only the connector for the library that has the file of that particular format can be invoked. As a result, the only information maintained in the cache manager subsystem 206 and provided to the synchronization subsystem 208 as content available to the desired library is the files supported by the device. To this effect, information from the device is used to filter available content. In one embodiment, the filter may include extensions supported by the device, and the filter is applied to the desired library to obtain a subset of media files / playlists that can be played / viewed on the device. Is done. The supported extended filter will vary depending on the device version or the software version running on the device. The filter can be applied to content read from the device. As an example, if the device contains media previously synchronized from two or more computers, the filter is applied only to read previously synchronized data from the current computer that the media app runs. obtain. Further, in some embodiments, the device detection / connection subsystem 212 may also allow the user access to the device by prompting the user for a password and then providing the password to the device.

  A processing module 114 for a system for managing media content 110 includes a connector subsystem 202, a finder subsystem 204, a cache manager subsystem 206, a synchronization subsystem 208, a user interface subsystem 210, a device detection / The connection subsystem 212 is not limited. The subsystem described by reference to FIG. 2 is for illustrative purposes only. Different implementations of a system for managing media content may comprise additional or different subsystems that allow a user to transmit media content from multiple media sources to a portable device.

  The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be implemented as a desktop application for transmitting media content from multiple sources to a portable wireless device. Alternatively, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 allows a user to use a portable wireless device to update content that already exists on the portable wireless device with media content from multiple sources. Can be.

  In one example embodiment having a desktop application, a desktop application for managing media content is launched on a personal computer (PC). In some embodiments, the desktop application may be launched automatically at PC startup. In other embodiments, the desktop application may be launched upon detection of a device connection. In still further embodiments, the user may launch a desktop application.

  Continuing with the example embodiment for a desktop application, if the connector available for the desktop application is unknown, the finder subsystem 204 may identify the available connector. In an alternative embodiment, the available connectors are predetermined. The connector subsystem 202 may identify a particular instance of the library using available connectors and provide information about available content to the cache manager subsystem 206. In one embodiment, the cache manager subsystem 206 creates and maintains an integrated cache of available content.

  Continuing with the example embodiment for a desktop application, if the desktop application is not launched in response to a device connection, the detection and connection subsystem 212 looks for the device connection. If the desktop application is closed or the PC is shut down, an integrated cache of available content may need to be recreated by restarting the application and repeating the process described above. Alternatively, an integrated cache of available content may be persistent and therefore may not need to be recreated after the desktop application is closed, but after the application is closed, the library's If the set changes in either, it may need to be updated.

  Upon detection of a device connection, the device detection and connection subsystem 212 retrieves information about device characteristics. Connector subsystem 202 may retrieve information about any media files present on the device and provide the information to cache manager subsystem 206.

  Continuing the example embodiment for a desktop application, the synchronization subsystem 208 provides the UI subsystem 210 with information from the cache management subsystem. The information may include both information about content available for transmission to the device and information about content that already exists on the device. The UI subsystem 210 receives and displays the selection for the desired library via the desktop application graphical user interface. In one embodiment, the UI subsystem 210 displays a selection for the desired library, and also displays an indication of what will happen when the desired library is transmitted to the device. In another embodiment, rather than receiving a selection for the desired library, the UI subsystem 210 receives an indication that the user desires the system to select a file for transmission to the device.

  In one embodiment, when the desired library is complete, a “synchronize” button on the graphical user interface of the desktop application is pressed by the user. In response to pressing the “synchronize” button, the synchronization subsystem 208 may transfer transactions (eg, copy files or playlists, delete files or playlists, etc.) to transmit the desired library to the device. ) List. Finally, the desired library is transmitted to the device. In some embodiments, additional processing may occur during transmission of data to the device. For example, metadata can be injected into one or more of the files being transmitted.

  Referring now to alternative embodiments, the UI subsystem 210 may provide a graphical user interface directly on the portable wireless device. In this embodiment, the device can be wirelessly connected to a system for managing media content, and a user can browse available content and create a desired library via a graphical user interface on the wireless device. . After the user selects the “Synchronize” button on the graphical user interface, a process is received by the synchronization subsystem 208 that receives the synchronization request and determines how to update the device to match the desired library. Continue as described above. Finally, a list of transactions is created and the transmitted file is executed.

(Method)
In this section, specific methods in example embodiments are described by reference to a series of flowcharts. In one embodiment, the method performed comprises a computer program consisting of computer-executable instructions.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for managing media content according to an example embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, two or more sources of media content are discovered (block 302). A desired library comprising a subset of content available from one or more sources of media content is created (block 304). The desired library is transmitted to the portable wireless device (block 306). In an alternative embodiment, the desired library is transmitted to a computer (eg, desktop computer, laptop computer or enterprise server).

  In some embodiments, transmitting the desired library determines how the desired library differs from content already present on the portable wireless device, and then transmits the media content to the portable wireless device. Adding to the device and / or removing media content from the portable wireless device.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for managing media content according to an alternative embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, one or more sources of media content are identified (block 402). Available content is integrated from one or more sources of media content (block 404). A graphical user interface is presented through which the user may access available content (block 406). The device is synchronized with available content from one or more sources of media content (block 408). In an alternative embodiment, the computer (eg, desktop computer, laptop computer or enterprise server) is synchronized with available content, including content from the device as a source. In one embodiment, content synchronization from the device to the computer may occur via a wired or wireless connection. For example, the user may select some media files on the device to synchronize with the computer.

(Implementation example)
Various examples of systems and methods for embodiments of the present invention have been described above. In this section, some example implementations of various systems and methods are provided.

  In various embodiments, a UI is provided for managing media files on the device and deferring transmission. The UI includes graphical indicators for status (eg, on device, on PC, etc.) and / or actions (eg, download, purchase, preview, email, remote play) obtain. Some examples of UI screens from the device are provided in FIGS.

  The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 may be implemented as a desktop application for synchronizing media content with a portable wireless communication device. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 also allows a user to use a portable wireless communication device to browse the library on the PC and synchronize with the library on the portable wireless communication device. obtain.

  In various embodiments, device configurations and methods of operation are provided to users of portable wireless communication devices to synchronize / transmit music over wired connectivity and / or wirelessly for music usage. View and / or manage a user's music home music library remotely directly from the user's portable wireless communication device that has the ability to justify them within the context of the user. Such transmission can be realized in a personal computer (PC). Such transmission may be implemented with a wireless server that is registered so that the user and / or portable wireless communication device are allowed to initiate such transmission. The wireless server can be configured in a personal computer. The portable wireless communication device may be a handheld device such as a cellular phone type device. The portable wireless communication device can be a portable computer such as a laptop computer. Such a configuration and operational structure includes multimedia files, audio files, video files belonging to or permitted to be accessed by the user in both the user's portable wireless communication device and the user's personal computer, And / or provide a direct user friendly way to manage combinations thereof.

  In various embodiments, transmission / synchronization of multimedia files, audio files, video files, and / or combinations thereof between the computer (and the associated media manager of the computer) and the portable wireless communication device is often Can be accomplished using the following mechanism. Transmission / synchronization between the portable wireless communication device and the wireless server may be performed via a USB connection. Transmission / synchronization between the portable wireless communication device and the wireless server may be performed via a Wi-FI communication session. Transmission / synchronization between the portable wireless communication device and the wireless server may be performed via a wide area network (WAN) such as a wireless network.

  In various embodiments, a portable wireless communication device can be offline from its associated PC or associated wireless server and offline from the Internet, library or multiple libraries (multimedia files, audio files, video files, photos, Video, podcasts and / or combinations thereof may be included in a portable wireless communication device) configured by hardware, software and combinations thereof. Such libraries may include libraries of iTunes®, Windows® Media Player®, other music libraries, video libraries, and other multimedia libraries. A portable wireless communication device allows the user to view multimedia, music, video, and / or combinations thereof for synchronization between the portable wireless communication device and its associated personal computer or wireless server May include executable instructions that allow it to be edited, deleted, and scheduled. All changes / requests / transmissions can occur automatically when one or more of the USB, Wi-Fi, or WAN connections are established with the associated personal computer or wireless server. In various embodiments, the personal computer can be configured by any suitable means to operate as a wireless server. The portable wireless communication device hardware and software can be directly from the portable wireless communication device to the user's PC library (eg, but not limited to the user's iTunes® or Windows® Media Player ( (Registered trademark) (music from WMP)) may be included to include a multimedia synchronization application having a remote management tool. Various embodiments provide functionality for managing, playing, and synchronizing multimedia presentations, videos, and / or music. The feature bridges the gap between PC synchronization and remote access and provides media management from handheld wireless devices rather than limiting such management to the desktop.

  In various embodiments, the portable wireless communication device allows offline access to the entire user's PC music library and provides two-way synchronization including wireless, portable wireless communication device and target media on the user's PC. Configured to be possible with the manager. For example, a portable wireless communication device may be configured to schedule media download and synchronization, avoiding the limitations associated with streaming media content directly to the handset. A portable wireless communication device may be configured with a remote management application and a wireless synchronization application, each with direct user media library access (optimized copy) from the portable wireless communication device. Have. Access to this library may not require a network connection to an associated PC or server on the Internet. The library may be organized as a multimedia library, a music library, a video library, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the optimized version of the user's music library is such that only the optimized music library file (or “index”) is present on the user's portable wireless communication device, not the actual song itself. Can be included on the user's portable wireless communication device that allows offline viewing and management. Any edit or download / synchronization request is synchronized with the user's associated PC when connected via USB, WAN, or WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network). New media content, such as new music content being requested for download, may be included in the download “manager” / queue and sent to the user's device upon the next USB or Wi-Fi connection. The download can be sent to the next connection in the wireless network to which the computer is coupled. In one embodiment, if the user chooses, the user may force transmission / download of any item in the pending download queue via the cellular network.

  In various embodiments, the portable wireless communication device may be configured with hardware and software. It is easy to use for users, integration between portable wireless communication devices and desktop managers and / or wireless server media synchronization applications configured on personal computers, user PCs and user portables Support for synchronization with wireless communication devices using USB synchronization, WLAN synchronization, WAN synchronization or combinations thereof, including but not limited to iTunes® and Windows® Media Player®, etc. Integration with different media players and the ability to browse a user's media library directly from a portable wireless communication device without a network connection for the user to browse through a small / optimized copy of the library; album The ability to browse library content by artist, genre, playlist, and the ability to add music, including but not limited to individual songs, albums, artists, playlists, etc. to the download manager / queue, and the user's associated PC Or the ability to transmit / synchronize the media in the download queue to the user's portable wireless communication device during the next USB or Wi-Fi connection with the associated PC, and the media library on the user's home PC Two-way synchronization. The two directions allow activity on the portable wireless communication device to be performed in a manner similar to PC activity. For example, if a user deletes music or creates / edits a playlist from their portable wireless communication device, data can be transmitted wired and / or wirelessly, and these changes are inter alia iTunes. Reflected in the media library of the user's associated PC, which may include (registered trademark) and WMP. Further, if the user deletes music from one or more libraries on the associated PC or creates / edits a playlist from the associated PC, data is transmitted wired and / or wirelessly. And these changes are reflected on the portable wireless communication device. For example, new media content requested for download may be included in the download manager / queue and sent to the user's portable wireless communication device upon the next USB, Wi-Fi, or wireless network connection. If the user selects, the user may force transmission / download of any item in the pending download queue via the cellular network.

  In various embodiments, the portable wireless communication device may be configured to operate with any operating system that may be used with a cellular device. Portable wireless communication devices provide access to media functions with external controls to virtually provide unrestricted storage for the user's media and direct all users' media needs from the user's portable wireless device Independence from the PC desktop for intelligent management, an open marketplace for discovering / obtaining music directly from portable wireless devices, and automatic update / synchronization of activities performed on portable wireless devices The ability to play music on portable wireless devices using other devices (eg, vehicles, home stereos, or other such devices) and to access the user's PC music and other media libraries Remote access from a user's portable wireless communication device To be configured.

  In various embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the media radio synchronization function may be installed on a PC by the introduction of an associated radio server. The introduction can be realized using a USB connection. The introduction may be implemented to be activated using a USB connection and completed via an internet connection. The introduction can be realized using a Wi-Fi connection. The introduction may be implemented to be initiated using a Wi-Fi connection and completed via an internet connection. After completion of the deployment of the media radio synchronization feature, a message may be provided to the user via the portable radio communication device, the PC, and / or both indicating that the media radio functionality / functionality is enabled.

  The media synchronization application of the portable wireless communication device may support multiple portable wireless communication devices / multiple users in the home based on registration, for example, based on personal identification (PIN). Libraries and synchronization to these libraries can be partitioned among various users of the PC. For example, one person may choose to synchronize music with one library such as iTunes®, and another person may select another library such as Windows® Media Player®. A third person may choose to synchronize and a third person may choose to synchronize with both libraries. The user interface of the wireless server on the PC includes a dynamic selection of supported media managers, and a last media manager in which a particular portable wireless communication device is last synchronized and stores the preferences associated with the synchronization. It may be possible to store (store the identification of the last media manager or several recent media managers). In one embodiment, if the file is not supported by the portable wireless communication device, the file may be designated not to be transmitted to the portable wireless communication device. If a particular file or file type is identified as not selectable for synchronization, the user may be aware of this via a graphical user interface. For example, music files that are not synchronized may be indicated using a locked icon or other indicator when a user views the music library from a portable wireless communication device.

  From the user's portable wireless communication device, the user can observe the status of connectivity to the home PC via a wireless server on the home PC. This observation may allow the user to determine whether the content can be synchronized and / or downloaded via Wi-Fi, WAN, or other connection. FIG. 6 shows a non-limiting example of a user interface showing connectivity. Media sync application provides users with the ability to browse both media libraries (offline) directly from their portable wireless communication device, allowing users to browse, edit and delete music for synchronization , And allows scheduling. All changes / requests / music transmissions can occur during USB, Wi-Fi, or WAN connection with the user's home PC. An error message may be generated to indicate the status of the wireless server when prompting a transmission or download over a network connection because the wireless server on the home PC is offline.

  An optimized version of the user's music library included by the library in the user's PC can be included on the user's device, allowing offline viewing and management. The optimized media library file may be organized as an index on the user's portable wireless communication device. Media filed in the portable wireless communication device may be stored in the portable wireless communication device separate from the optimized media library file. During setup (and at any time) of the desktop media synchronization application, the user may select which media manager or multiple managers they wish to configure for remote management and wireless synchronization.

  From the user's portable wireless communication device, the user may be able to enter an entire music library or an individual library, sorting by all songs (names), artists, albums, and music genres. Users may also be able to browse through all playlists, standard and smart (automatic) and those contained in folders. When browsing a playlist from a portable wireless communication device, the user may also be able to browse / sort by all songs (names), artists, albums, and music genres. Browsing and sorting is not limited to music, but can be applied to photos, videos, and other multimedia presentations. With an optimized music library file as an index that resides on the user's portable wireless communication device, rather than all the actual songs themselves contained in the library, the optimized library can be small enough, Allows the library to be stored in the internal memory of the user's portable wireless communication device. In various embodiments, swapping memory cards does not disable remote management.

  In various embodiments, the optimized media library file on the user's portable wireless communication device can be refreshed and kept synchronized with the media library on the user's PC. This synchronization may provide an automatic update, so that the latest view of the media library accessible to the PC is available to the user from its portable wireless communication device. An updated / synchronized copy of the media library may be transmitted to the user's portable wireless communication device on the next USB / WLAN / WAN connection with the desktop music sync application.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a user interface when accessing the home music library. The user interface is not limited to a home music library, but can be a library of other multimedia presentations. As shown, the user interface provides access and management to the user's music library (eg, the user's iTunes® or WMP music library). The user interface is easy to use and intuitive and is structured in such a way as to allow the user to easily browse the user's music library directly from a music application on the portable wireless communication device.

  When browsing a user's home media library from a portable wireless communication device, the view may be provided in a manner similar to the media library being displayed on a local PC. FIG. 8 is an easy-to-use and intuitive media library that is structured in such a way as to allow a user to easily browse a user's media library directly from a media application on a portable wireless communication device. An example of browsing is shown. The view may also provide for viewing media that is not on the portable wireless communication device for media that is in the home library relative to media that is on the user's portable wireless communication device. The view is also for media added to the media download manager as pending downloads that are transmitted / synchronized to the user's device during the next USB, WLAN, or WAN synchronization with the portable wireless communication device. A view can be provided. The user also supports media on the user's portable wireless communication device including unused / available memory, associated PC media such as a home PC, and pending download media in the download manager. An indication of the total amount of memory may be provided. Media may be further presented in various categories such as music, video, and other multimedia presentations.

  In various embodiments, editing a home media library when a user browses its home music library can be similar to browsing media locally to the user's portable wireless communication device. The user may be able to edit the user's home music library from a remote management application that has a wireless synchronization feature, which may delete and / or play media such as music on a user selected basis. Allows you to edit the list. For example, the selected base allows music to be edited based on individual songs, albums, artists, genres, or playlists. For example, using an edit playlist as a base allows songs included in one or more playlists to be added and / or removed. These edits may be synchronized with the user PC and the corresponding media manager library or libraries on the next USB / WLAN / WAN connection with the desktop media synchronization application on the user's home PC. The delete action determines whether the user wants to delete the item only from the specified library on the portable wireless communication device (the file is kept on the computer) or delete it from the specified library on the associated computer as well. May be accompanied by a prompt to inquire.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of a user interface for adding music to the download manager. While browsing the user's home music library, the user may add the following as pending downloads to the download music manager: It includes individual songs, individual albums, individual artists (all songs by individual artists), individual genres (all songs included in a single genre), entire playlists, and others that organize music It is a category. Adding is not limited to music, but applies to other multimedia presentations. As an example, this additional functionality may be shown as a menu item called “Synchronize with portable wireless communication device” or “Add to download” when any of the above categories are highlighted. This can be similar to the manner in which adding items locally to the portable wireless communication device is processed locally to the portable wireless communication device with respect to the playlist. The user may be able to view all items that are currently “pending sync / download”. The implementation of remote media access notifies the user if the user attempts to schedule / synchronize content that is generally larger than the available / unused memory (external plus internal) of the device. Can do. The user reports on the user's device all the content that they are trying to synchronize (ie, what is in the media download manager or “pending download” queue) and the available space of the portable wireless communication device May be instructed to remove content from the synchronization list or device.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of a user interface for browsing the download manager. This view provides the user with the ability to browse the media download manager for pending downloads directly from the media home screen of the media player of the portable wireless communication device. For example, music that is requested for download (added to a pending download / queue) may be provided to the portable wireless communication device on the next USB, Wi-Fi, or WAN connection. Viewing items in a pending download list can be similar to browsing music on a user's portable wireless communication device, including all songs, albums, artists, genres, playlists, and other categories May be sortable (by the sum of each next in parentheses).

  The user may be provided with a view that shows in a straightforward manner the individual items in the download manager and the total amount of memory corresponding to all items in the download manager. The following options may be available to the user when browsing download manager content. The options include (1) deleting an item that may include items that are no longer required for transmission / synchronization to the device (ie, deleting the item from the download manager), and (2) media over the WAN. It is now possible to download manually, allowing for manual transmission. The user may be prompted that this may result in cellular data charges according to the user's existing portable wireless communication device data plan. Other options may be provided.

  FIG. 11 depicts a diagram of an embodiment of a system 1100 having a controller 1105 and a memory system 1125. System 1100 also includes an electronic device 1135 and a bus 1115 that provides electrical conductivity between the components of system 1100. In one embodiment, bus 1115 includes an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus that are independently configured. In an alternative embodiment, the bus 1115 uses a common conductive line to provide one or more of address, data, or control, and its use is coordinated by the controller 1105. Bus 1115 may be implemented as a plurality of buses. In one embodiment, electronic device 1135 is an additional memory system configured in a manner similar to memory system 1125. In one embodiment, additional peripheral devices or multiple peripheral devices 1145 are coupled to the bus 1115. In one embodiment, peripheral device 1145 includes a display, additional storage memory system, and / or other control device that may operate in conjunction with controller 1105 and / or memory system 1125. In one embodiment, controller 1105 is a processor.

  Controller 1105 and memory system 1125 may be arranged to manage media content and related information on system 1100. In one embodiment, system 1100 is arranged as a PC. The PC may include means distributed throughout the PC to operate as a wireless server. System 1100 arranged as a PC may operate according to any of the various embodiments discussed herein to manage media content and related information in the PC and / or portable wireless. Manage media content and related information in conjunction with one or more portable devices such as communication devices.

  In one embodiment, system 1100 is arranged as a portable device. The portable device can be a portable wireless communication device. System 1100 arranged as a portable device may operate according to any of the various embodiments discussed herein to manage media content and related information within the portable device, and / or Alternatively, the media content and related information are managed in cooperation with a PC or other device having software and / or hardware for managing the media content.

  Various embodiments or combinations of embodiments for an apparatus and method for a system such as a PC for managing media content as described herein include hardware implementations, software implementations, and hardware implementations. It can be realized in combination with implementation and software implementation. These implementations are machine-readable media having machine-executable instructions for operating the system in relation to one or more portable devices (eg, computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions). As a result, media content and related information is managed between the system and the portable device. Communication of the system with the portable wireless communication device can be performed on a secure basis. Machine-readable media is not limited to any one type of media.

  Various embodiments or combinations of embodiments for apparatus and methods for portable devices, such as portable wireless communication devices as described herein, include hardware implementations, software implementations, and hardware implementations. Hardware implementation and a combination of software implementation. These implementations may include machine-readable media having machine-executable instructions for operating a portable device (eg, computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions), such as a PC, etc. In conjunction with other systems and / or other associated portable devices to manage media content and related information within the portable device. Communication of the system with the portable wireless communication device can be performed on a secure basis. Machine-readable media is not limited to any one type of media.

  Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any arrangement intended to achieve the same purpose can be substituted for the particular embodiment shown. Recognized by. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting and the words or terms utilized herein are for illustrative purposes. Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

Claims (1)

Invention described in the specification.

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